William Goodnow wrote from his settlement near Wild Cat Creek, Kansas Territory, to his wife Harriet in New England. Goodnow related his wintertime experiences in the Midwest, which included descriptions of travel and hunting expeditions. He anticipated the prosperity of Manhattan, reporting that "claims that were taken here last spring are now fetching hundreds of dollars advance, & some will soon bring a thousand." Goodnow added that propositions of new bridges, roads, and ferry service would further improve the town.

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